6 Sustainable Fashion Brands in Indonesia

Our globe is undergoing major climate changes that we absolutely can no longer ignore. One of the major causes of this issue is improper waste management, out of which, fashion is one of the world’s largest contributors of waste, according to the UN Environment. Fashion produces truckloads of textile waste every second and contribute to industrial water pollution. This is why more and more fashion brands are starting to advocate a more ethical production, known as slow-fashion (instead of fast-paced and big bulk production), offering comfortable, chic and sustainable products, while encouraging consumers – like us – to be more eco-conscious about our purchases.

Our country is also getting on board the eco-friendly bandwagon. With these six sustainable Indonesian fashion brands, we get to save the earth, while being fashionable at the same time.

1. Kana Goods

Founded by Sancaya Rini, this Indonesian fashion brand produces men and women’s clothing made out of natural materials, especially indigo dyes and contemporary handwritten batik. This is why most of their products come out in the shades of blue. The brand’s mission is to raise awareness regarding environmental issues while showcasing the value of Indonesian natural dye. Aside from the use of natural materials, Kana Goods aims to avoid excess production and textile waste by making all their products one-size-fits-all.

2. Hlaii

This fashion label aims to design clothing that reduces textile waste to zero or up to a maximum of 15 percent. One of the ways the label does this is by involving no cutting of material, so the entire length of the fabric is made into a continuous design using self-developed techniques. Another way is, the label’s clothes are all made to order, which means it can take up to two weeks for their final pieces to be ready. Although the label is still relatively new in the industry, top Indonesian celebrities like Dian Sastrowardoyo, Yura Yunita, and Gita Gutawa have been past clients.

3. Seratus Kapas

Seratus Kapas, which means 100 Cotton, offer simple clothing for urban women, made from raw cotton or linen, which comes either pre-washed or dyed. The brand also uses only natural dyes, which are safer for the environment and their workers. The label pays attention to the individual characters of each delicate fabric to make sure it is fully used in the right manner and does not get ruined during their sustainable manufacturing process.

4. Cinta Bumi

Founded in 2015, Cinta Bumi is a brand based in Bali that produces a variety of ethical handmade goods such as bags, homewares, bath and beauty products, as well as craft supplies and toys. A lot of the brand’s products are made of barkcloth, a material created from paper mulberry and ficus tree barks from Central Sulawesi. Cinta Bumi, which means ‘love earth’, employs local artisans who carefully assemble their materials, using efficient cutting techniques and patterns to avoid excessive waste.

5. Imaji Studio

Imaji Studio works alongside local Indonesian artisans who incorporate both traditional and natural elements to create their beautiful products. Imaji Studio offers casual clothes and fashion accessories for both men and women made from sustainable materials including natural dyes and hand-woven fabrics from plants native to Indonesia. The label also has a special project called Zero Waste to make accessories from leftover fabrics.

6. Biasa

Biasa is a fashion boutique featuring sophisticated wear for men and women. This upscale yet sustainable brand incorporates creative cuts, artisanal details, and natural materials to create their elegant products, from free-flowing oversized shirts, kaftans, dresses to jewelry, footwear, and accessories. Their garments are handmade, hand-stitched and used hand-loomed fabrics. Biasa is based in both Seminyak, Bali and in Kemang, Jakarta.